Greta Thunberg – TIME’s Person of the Year 2019

The Rise of Greta Thunberg: A Global Environmental Activist

Who is Greta Thunberg?

Greta Thunberg, born on January 3, 2003, is a Swedish environmental activist known for her fervent campaigning on climate change, earning her international recognition. Thunberg spearheaded the “Fridays for Future” school climate strike movement, inspiring students worldwide to join her cause. Following her impassioned speech at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference, her movement gained momentum, culminating in coordinated multi-city protests in 2019, each mobilizing over one million students. At home, Thunberg influenced her parents to adopt eco-friendly lifestyle choices, such as giving up air travel and embracing a vegetarian diet to reduce their carbon footprint.

Criticism

Thunberg’s sudden rise to prominence has made her both a leader and a target of criticism. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro infamously labeled her a “brat” for her concern about the Amazon’s indigenous population, prompting Thunberg to defiantly embrace the term on social media. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed her as “poorly informed,” while former U.S. President Donald Trump derisively commented on her demeanor, sparking further controversy.

Person of the Year

In May 2019, Time magazine featured Thunberg on its cover, hailing her as a “next-generation leader” and acknowledging her role as a role model for many. Thunberg was subsequently named Time’s Person of the Year, emphasizing her influence on global climate activism. In a public statement, she emphasized the power of youth activism, asserting that their frustration stemmed from valid concerns about the future.

Other Honors and Awards

Thunberg’s impactful activism has garnered numerous accolades. In addition to being the youngest individual selected by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people, she was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Thunberg received further recognition, including a fellowship from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Her story and the school strike movement were featured in a Vice documentary titled “Make the World Greta Again,” highlighting what some media outlets have dubbed the “Greta Thunberg effect” on global climate action.